In search of a Light weight bag pack for a safari

infrequenttraveller wrote:

...

• Do you need all the gear you mentioned? Or could you accept a gap between the 12-40 you will definitely need and the 100-400 you will definitely need? That could save you 880 grams for the 40-150.

• 2 bodies is a given, 3 might be too much, given the weight limit. So I'd limit it to 2 bodies. ...

This is the sort of issue that depends so much on exactly where one's going and at what time of year (although I'd say 2 bodies was plenty anywhere - otherwise I think the 'unproductive' weight is too high, and I'd get confused!). How close is the usual shrub/tree cover and how much of it is there? Can you drive off road to follow sightings, or may a lot be at long range? Unfortunately this is the sort of thing that only becomes clear at the end of a trip!

On our recent Botswana/SA trip I was fine normally with the 40-150 on one body and the 300 on the other, with the tc1.4 on one or the other on some days during the brightest times, especially when there was a lot of birdlife around. I had the 12-100 in my bag, and swapped it for one or the other often at rest stops, and occasionally when a close encounter looked likely.

In 9 days of game drives and boat trips I can recall only one occasion when I wished I'd got the 12-100 on and hadn't (a bull elephant calmly wandered slowly closer and ever closer to our boat in gathering dusk, sniffing us curiously, until he towered above, and I got some nice shots of his right eye with the 40-150!

Only one other photographer in the boat had a wide lens on - a 24-105 on her FF Canon - and she got an enormous shock when she pulled the camera away from here eye and realised how close he was! Of course he just gently wandered away, and we all started breathing again.

We had relatively few encounters at under 40mm distance (on m4/3) and all the other opportunities gave time to switch lenses. Often this was to take 'establishing' shots of the animals in their environment.

infrequenttraveller wrote:

Weighing in (pun intended) with some thoughts on light weight travel:

• Not quite clear what you will have to squeeze into the 15 kg weight limit: equipment like a sleeping bag etc? If so, this will be tough.

• The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a great bag (I own it) - for one bag travel. A sturdy (and lighter!) medium size duffel bag might be the better option for the bag that goes into he hold. Also, the Farpoint is not really squeezable - and that's what is important for the guys who put the bags into the plane.

Sure it's squeezable, as long as it isn't crammed full. It does have compression strap inside and out, as well as was to logically separate items inside.

As you know, one of the coolest things about the bag is that the pack straps and hip belt can be hidden behind a zippered panel. Then it looks just like a suitcase or duffel bag. This is great when trying to look minimalist or for putting the pack into a tight overhead bin, etc..

For visual reference…

Osprey Farpoint 40 - Back - Pack Straps & Hipbelt - Straps hidden in "Suitcase / Duffel Bag" Mode

jeffharris wrote:

infrequenttraveller wrote:

Weighing in (pun intended) with some thoughts on light weight travel:

• Not quite clear what you will have to squeeze into the 15 kg weight limit: equipment like a sleeping bag etc? If so, this will be tough.

• The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a great bag (I own it) - for one bag travel. A sturdy (and lighter!) medium size duffel bag might be the better option for the bag that goes into he hold. Also, the Farpoint is not really squeezable - and that's what is important for the guys who put the bags into the plane.

Sure it's squeezable, as long as it isn't crammed full. It does have compression strap inside and out, as well as was to logically separate items inside.

As you know, one of the coolest things about the bag is that the pack straps and hip belt can be hidden behind a zippered panel. Then it looks just like a suitcase or duffel bag. This is great when trying to look minimalist or for putting the pack into a tight overhead bin, etc..

For visual reference…

Osprey Farpoint 40 - Back - Pack Straps & Hipbelt - Straps hidden in "Suitcase / Duffel Bag" Mode

Not any suitcase I've ever seen 😜😜

northlondon43 wrote:

Not any suitcase I've ever seen 😜😜

Of course it doesn't look like a suitcase - more like "not a backpack". The whole point of it is if you want to look "respectable" or "professional" in a number of establishments, you don't walk in with a backpack. Plus, if you wind up checking the bag, all those straps get caught on things. Lots of bags like that out there.

phil from seattle wrote:

northlondon43 wrote:

Not any suitcase I've ever seen 😜😜

Of course it doesn't look like a suitcase - more like "not a backpack". The whole point of it is if you want to look "respectable" or "professional" in a number of establishments, you don't walk in with a backpack. Plus, if you wind up checking the bag, all those straps get caught on things. Lots of bags like that out there.

Just joking Phil hence my emoticons. Oh and I'd never want to go to any establishment where I was judged as a person based on what I carried on my back...

Chizuka wrote:

I will be going on a safari in Tanzania and I am looking for a backpack that will be

1) as light as possible (because of the 15kg weight restriction on ALL luggage i.e. checked luggage + carry on). If the bag weighs too much, it will take away valuable weight for me.2) it will be my carry on bag, so besides camera equipment, it needs to be able to hold a few clothes items, an ipad, all chargers, toiletrie, etc. 3) i will be carrying the following gear: Lumix G9, PL 100-400, Oly 40-150 Pro, Oly 12-40 Pro, Oly em10 mk2, and probably the Panasonic G85 (if I buy it)4) I really would prefer not to pay more than 200 $ US for it.

Thank you all for your help and advice.

Petite woman here, so I can understand the carrying issues.

1) wear dresses, the lightweight travel ones (try REI or similar) roll up to be about the size of a baseball.

2) toiletries. forget all makeup. You need a toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen and chapstick. Depending on your hair type, bring a comb or minimalist method.

3) Chargers, probably not much you can do here.

I own an Osprey "Snowkit" duffel/backpack that has become my favorite travel bag for any purpose. I would recommend you look at Osprey (I see it was recommended earlier), but the specific trailkit/snowkit/bigkit line has design features that work very well for your use case. I often put my camera bag into the main compartment and then have my clothing and toiletries in packing cubes with it, then use the separate bottom section just for dirty clothes as I go. There are helpful side/top pockets that I stash passport, chargers, etc into. It keeps everything organized, and I always feel like they did a perfect job balancing compartments/pockets with open space.

In your case, you have more camera gear than I do, so you might be better served using the main compartment only for your camera gear, and putting clothes into the separate bottom compartment.

The backpack straps are comfortable for me, and also stash away to turn the bag into a duffel (others have mentioned here that airlines hate backpacks). There are convenient grab handles on most sides of the bag too, which is great when trying to grab it from overhead compartments, etc.

The Osprey bags run under $200 (I think they start around $120) but you would still need cases or something for your gear so it's protected within the bag. Customizable padded inserts for bags can be easily found online for not too much. So you should be able to create a system for under $200.

https://www.rei.com/product/117631/osprey-trailkit-duffel-40-liters

https://www.amazon.com/waterproof-shockproof-Mirrorless-protection-IN02X/dp/B00VFXRJY6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=camrevguide-20&s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1481173500&sr=1-11&keywords=padded+camera+bag+inserts&linkId=254a90b4d6512e06ba2a7bcabe58b531

john isaacs wrote:

Chizuka wrote:

I will be going on a safari in Tanzania and I am looking for a backpack that will be

1) as light as possible (because of the 15kg weight restriction on ALL luggage i.e. checked luggage + carry on). If the bag weighs too much, it will take away valuable weight for me.2) it will be my carry on bag, so besides camera equipment, it needs to be able to hold a few clothes items, an ipad, all chargers, toiletrie, etc. 3) i will be carrying the following gear: Lumix G9, PL 100-400, Oly 40-150 Pro, Oly 12-40 Pro, Oly em10 mk2, and probably the Panasonic G85 (if I buy it)4) I really would prefer not to pay more than 200 $ US for it.

Thank you all for your help and advice.

My first thought is to weigh everything else you want/need to bring and see what you have left for a bag (or whether you are going over even without a bag).

I am in the process of doing this.

My second thought is to not bring cameras that use different batteries/chargers. At this time, you are considering three incompatible cameras. I would buy a second G9, or at least a GH4 (uses same battery).

I am still thinking about the second camera I will bring (buy). I would LOVE to have a second G9 but I cannot afford it. I agree with you about the batteries issue but right now I lean towards the G85 because of the Built-in Image Stabilization, the focus stacking, the higher continuous shooting rate.

Finally, look for padded inserts and use a regular hiking backpack. I did a weight restricted trip and used a Lowepro Omni attache style bag for my camera gear and an REI backpack to carry the Lowepro and clothes/accessories. The Omni's have been discontinued for a long time now, and may actually be too heavy for you anyway (the Omni Sport is only .7kg but it's not bit enough for the bodies.

I am seriously considering that option i.e. padded insert and a regular backpack. I need to do some measurements to make sure that the inserts would fit the backpack I would use.

I've done weekend trips with just a Mountainsmith Borealis for everthing ($200, 2.5kg) but again you would have difficulty fitting all your gear in the camera compartment.

Finally, the suggestion of just wrapping the lenses is a good one; get the wraps with velcro in appropriate sizes. I don't do that because I prefer the organization a regular bag provides, but then I have a lot of bags of different sizes.

I am not sure if you are saying that I should wrap the lenses and put them in the checked luggage, but I do not want to do that. If that is not what you mean, why would you wrap the lenses if they are in a camera padded insert. Right now, I don't have padded inserts in my current backpack and I have made myself some wraps for camera and lenses (like pouches from dish towels).

thanks a lot John for all your suggestions. Good to hear your opinion on those subjects.

SushiRyu wrote:

Chizuka wrote:

I will be going on a safari in Tanzania and I am looking for a backpack that will be

1) as light as possible (because of the 15kg weight restriction on ALL luggage i.e. checked luggage + carry on). If the bag weighs too much, it will take away valuable weight for me.2) it will be my carry on bag, so besides camera equipment, it needs to be able to hold a few clothes items, an ipad, all chargers, toiletrie, etc. 3) i will be carrying the following gear: Lumix G9, PL 100-400, Oly 40-150 Pro, Oly 12-40 Pro, Oly em10 mk2, and probably the Panasonic G85 (if I buy it)4) I really would prefer not to pay more than 200 $ US for it.

Thank you all for your help and advice.

Petite woman here, so I can understand the carrying issues.

1) wear dresses, the lightweight travel ones (try REI or similar) roll up to be about the size of a baseball.

Hello SushiRyu, Sorry no dresses for me. I don't wear them at home and won't wear them while travelling.

2) toiletries. forget all makeup. You need a toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen and chapstick. Depending on your hair type, bring a comb or minimalist method.

I don't wear make up, so not an issue for me. I do intend to carry just the essentials as you mention (toothbrush, etc.)

3) Chargers, probably not much you can do here.

Yep!

I own an Osprey "Snowkit" duffel/backpack that has become my favorite travel bag for any purpose. I would recommend you look at Osprey (I see it was recommended earlier), but the specific trailkit/snowkit/bigkit line has design features that work very well for your use case. I often put my camera bag into the main compartment and then have my clothing and toiletries in packing cubes with it, then use the separate bottom section just for dirty clothes as I go. There are helpful side/top pockets that I stash passport, chargers, etc into. It keeps everything organized, and I always feel like they did a perfect job balancing compartments/pockets with open space.

I have looked at the Osprey Transporter and I am considering it. But I am also thinking of getting an inexpensive duffle bag from MEC (in Canada) and getting some packing cubes.

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5044-007/Duffle-Bag

I will look at the models you suggest though.

In your case, you have more camera gear than I do, so you might be better served using the main compartment only for your camera gear, and putting clothes into the separate bottom compartment.

The backpack straps are comfortable for me, and also stash away to turn the bag into a duffel (others have mentioned here that airlines hate backpacks). There are convenient grab handles on most sides of the bag too, which is great when trying to grab it from overhead compartments, etc.

I was thinking of getting a bag with backpack straps but I am not sure if I will anymore because I will be carring my camera bag (carry on) on my back so not very useful to have the backpack strap.

The Osprey bags run under $200 (I think they start around $120) but you would still need cases or something for your gear so it's protected within the bag. Customizable padded inserts for bags can be easily found online for not too much. So you should be able to create a system for under $200.

https://www.rei.com/product/117631/osprey-trailkit-duffel-40-liters

https://www.amazon.com/waterproof-shockproof-Mirrorless-protection-IN02X/dp/B00VFXRJY6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=camrevguide-20&s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1481173500&sr=1-11&keywords=padded+camera+bag+inserts&linkId=254a90b4d6512e06ba2a7bcabe58b531

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and for your help and suggestions.

Chizuka wrote:

I am still thinking about the second camera I will bring (buy). I would LOVE to have a second G9 but I cannot afford it. I agree with you about the batteries issue but right now I lean towards the G85 because of the Built-in Image Stabilization, the focus stacking, the higher continuous shooting rate.

Probably still too much but Panny just cut the price of the G9 to $1300, G85 + 12-60 is now $800.

SushiRyu wrote:

Chizuka wrote:

I will be going on a safari in Tanzania and I am looking for a backpack that will be

1) as light as possible (because of the 15kg weight restriction on ALL luggage i.e. checked luggage + carry on). If the bag weighs too much, it will take away valuable weight for me.2) it will be my carry on bag, so besides camera equipment, it needs to be able to hold a few clothes items, an ipad, all chargers, toiletrie, etc. 3) i will be carrying the following gear: Lumix G9, PL 100-400, Oly 40-150 Pro, Oly 12-40 Pro, Oly em10 mk2, and probably the Panasonic G85 (if I buy it)4) I really would prefer not to pay more than 200 $ US for it.

Thank you all for your help and advice.

Petite woman here, so I can understand the carrying issues.

1) wear dresses, the lightweight travel ones (try REI or similar) roll up to be about the size of a baseball.

2) toiletries. forget all makeup. You need a toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen and chapstick. Depending on your hair type, bring a comb or minimalist method.

3) Chargers, probably not much you can do here.

I own an Osprey "Snowkit" duffel/backpack that has become my favorite travel bag for any purpose. I would recommend you look at Osprey (I see it was recommended earlier), but the specific trailkit/snowkit/bigkit line has design features that work very well for your use case. I often put my camera bag into the main compartment and then have my clothing and toiletries in packing cubes with it, then use the separate bottom section just for dirty clothes as I go. There are helpful side/top pockets that I stash passport, chargers, etc into. It keeps everything organized, and I always feel like they did a perfect job balancing compartments/pockets with open space.

I just looked at a video about the Osprey Snowkit. Awesome looking bag, BUT it does not look like you can lock it. The zippers seem to just have a string. Is that right? I would definitely want to be able to lock my bag.

In your case, you have more camera gear than I do, so you might be better served using the main compartment only for your camera gear, and putting clothes into the separate bottom compartment.

The backpack straps are comfortable for me, and also stash away to turn the bag into a duffel (others have mentioned here that airlines hate backpacks). There are convenient grab handles on most sides of the bag too, which is great when trying to grab it from overhead compartments, etc.

The Osprey bags run under $200 (I think they start around $120) but you would still need cases or something for your gear so it's protected within the bag. Customizable padded inserts for bags can be easily found online for not too much. So you should be able to create a system for under $200.

https://www.rei.com/product/117631/osprey-trailkit-duffel-40-liters

https://www.amazon.com/waterproof-shockproof-Mirrorless-protection-IN02X/dp/B00VFXRJY6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=camrevguide-20&s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1481173500&sr=1-11&keywords=padded+camera+bag+inserts&linkId=254a90b4d6512e06ba2a7bcabe58b531

With that much gear, the slight difference in weight of similarly sized bags ... will not make any difference.   Just get one that you like !.

Chas J wrote:

With that much gear, the slight difference in weight of similarly sized bags ... will not make any difference. Just get one that you like !.

And one that's comfortable.

Be sure you learn how to properly adjust it! It makes all the difference between pleasure and pain.

I see SO MANY people who don't adjust their packs. Hanging too low. Their chiropractors are grateful, though.

Also learning to correctly stuff a pack so it rides better. Lightweight stuff on the bottom. Heavier stuff close to the body, high up. It takes a bit of practice, but makes a HUGE difference in terms of comfort and how far you can haul it. Even changing planes can be a trek.